Friday, May 2, 2008

Keeping up the Dean's homefront

The calendar has been turned to May as we approach Lindsay's birth next month. We have been overwhelmed with the generous and caring response since our letters have been received. I have received many notes and calls concerning other needs that will need to be met and I would like to address them as the time is approaching.

A fantastic friend of Suzie and JR's has graciously volunteed to be the homefront coordinator because the immediate families will be with them in Ann Arbor for an undetermined amount of time. Shannon Poortenga will set up scheduling of needs for the Dean household while they're in Ann Arbor and for when they arrive home, hopefully mid July.

We are, of course, thinking very positively that Lindsay's first surgery will go well and that they will bring her home in July. Please keep in mind that they will also return to Ann Arbor for two additional open heart surgeries for Lindsay, which will require them to be away from home again for a length of time.

Lawn care has been spoken for by Brian Poortenga (thanks Brian!)

Some of the other needs required are:

*Making sure the dog (Shelby) is cared for with fresh food and water every day. She doesn't need to be let in and out as she will have easy access to the fenced in back yard at all times.

*Mail will need to be brought into the house on a regular basis.

*Although Suzie and JR have several family members that will care for Cole and Cruz, it wouldn't hurt to have some backups for childcare.

*Upon their arrival home, it would be nice if we had meals brought in for a couple of weeks as they get used to the care required for Lindsay and the quality time they will want to spend with Cole and Cruz as they adjust to a normal life again.

* Anything else your creative minds might come up with.

Please contact Shannon at 269-806-2266 or e-mail her at spoortenga@chartermi.net if you would like to help in any way. Out of town friends and relatives can also help with meals by contacting Shannon for some great ideas.

Thanks to all of you, Suzie and JR will not have to worry about any of their lodging expense at the Ronald McDonald house.

Please keep checking the blog for new updates as the time is closing in on us and soon this will become a reality.

A special thanks to Brian and Shannon Poortenga for their support as we pray for them, also.

No comments:

Lindsay Bracelets

Our Angel Princess (on reverse side)

Save A Life. Be A Donor.

Recycle yourself! Donate Life!

Donate to the Lindsay Dean Heart Fund

Heart Poem

It's a beautiful day up in heaven. Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus "I don't want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you". He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay, and that he is just going for a visit. He is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus kneels down, and says, "How about if you leave half of your heart here with me and take the other half with you, will that be okay?" The angel smiles and says, "I guess that will work". But the little angel is still a little scared. He asks,"Will I be okay with only half of my heart?" Jesus replies,"Of course you will, I have other angels there that will help out, and you will be fine." Then Jesus gives the angel more details about his plan. He says "When you are born, your mommy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that I have the other half of your heart". "Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday." "And when its time to come back to heaven, I will make your heart whole again. Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves."